STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Life Support"
#40513-459
Story by
Christian Ford & Roger Soffer
Teleplay by
Ronald D. Moore
Directed by
Reza Badiyi
THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Copyright 1994 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.
Return to Script Department FINAL DRAFT
PARAMOUNT PICTURES CORPORATION
November 10, 1994
STAR TREK: DS9 - "Life Support" - 11/10/94 - CAST
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Life Support"
CAST
SISKO BAREIL
KIRA WINN
ODO NURSE
BASHIR RISKA
DAX TURREL
O'BRIEN LEANNE
QUARK
JAKE
NOG
Non-Speaking Non-Speaking
N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES
STAR TREK DEEP SPACE NINE: "Life Support" - 11/10/94 - SETS
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Life Support"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
DEFIANT DEEP SPACE NINE
AIRLOCK
BASHIR'S QUARTERS
COMMANDER'S OFFICE
CORRIDOR
HOLDING CELL
INFIRMARY
PROMENADE
SISKO'S QUARTERS
SURGERY
QUARK'S
LOWER LEVEL
SECOND LEVEL
WARDROOM
STAR TREK: "Life Support" - 11/10/94 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Life Support"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
HALIGIAN ha-LEE-gee-an
MAKARIAN MAH-kair-ee-an
NEUROGENIC NUR-ro-gin-ik
ORAK OR-ak
OSINAR OH-sin-nar
RISKA RISK-ah
TERRELLIANS tur-REL-ee-ans
TURREL tur-REL
AXONAL AX-oh-nal
CORDRAZINE KOR-druh-zeen
INOPROVALINE EYE-no-pro-vuh-leen
INOTRPOIC EYE-no-tro-pik
NEUROGLIAL NUR-ro-glee-ul
SERATONIN SAIR-ruh-to-nen
SPINO-THALMIC SPIN-no-thal-mik
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/11/94 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Life Support"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 INT. PROMENADE
JAKE is walking along the Promenade when a lovely young Human
Girl named LEANNE catches his attention.
LEANNE
Jake!
Jake turns and gives her a big smile. Leanne is a little
older than Jake and has a confident, easy quality to her.
JAKE
Leanne. I thought you were on Bajor.
LEANNE
I came back early.
(beat)
You know, I was just thinking about
you.
JAKE
Really?
LEANNE
Yeah... I passed by the Klingon
restaurant and I was thinking about
the time you and I and Orak were
having dinner...
JAKE
And you ordered the gagh...
They both chuckle at the memory.
JAKE
How is Orak? I haven't talked to
him in awhile.
Leanne brushes this off, but there's a quick look of regret
on her face.
LEANNE
We stopped seeing each other a few
weeks ago.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/11/94 - TEASER 2.
1 CONTINUED:
JAKE
(surprised)
Oh.
Leanne glances away then back at Jake awkwardly.
LEANNE
So... are you doing anything tomorrow
night?
JAKE
I'm supposed to be playing dom-jot
with Nog.
Leanne looks a little disappointed and Jake quickly changes
his tune.
JAKE
But they're not really firm plans.
In fact, I was thinking of canceling
them.
LEANNE
Really? Well... if you do cancel...
would you be interested in... dinner?
JAKE
(quickly)
Sure.
She smiles back at him and the sexual tension rises a notch.
LEANNE
Great. How 'bout eighteen hundred
at the Klingon restaurant?
JAKE
I'll be there. But this time we'll
skip the gagh.
LEANNE
Definitely. See you then.
Leanne leaves. Jake looks after her for a moment with an
obviously happy look on his face. But just as he's savoring
the moment, suddenly O'BRIEN, ODO, and TWO N.D. SECURITY
GUARDS come running down the Promenade.
ODO
Look out!
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/11/94 - TEASER 3.
1 CONTINUED: (2)
O'BRIEN
Move aside!
Jake and the other Passersby on the Promenade quickly scatter
out of the way as the group rushes by.
CUT TO:
2 INT. AIRLOCK
As O'Brien, Odo, and the Guards come pounding up to the
Airlock door. BASHIR and a NURSE run up from another
direction, carrying medical cases and equipment. Odo goes
to a wall console. The mood is tense and urgent.
BASHIR
What do we have?
O'BRIEN
Bajoran transport coming in. They
said there was some kind of accident
on board and they've got casualties.
ODO
(off console)
They're docking...
BASHIR
We should've beamed the wounded
directly to the Infirmary.
O'BRIEN
(shakes his head)
They have a loose plasma coil. We
couldn't beam through the radiation.
ODO
(off console)
Docking clamps secure. I'm opening
the airlock. Stand back.
He works for a moment, then the airlock OPENS, and a CLOUD
OF SMOKE billows out from the damaged ship. SEVERAL WOUNDED
N.D. BAJORANS stumble out, coughing and hacking.
O'BRIEN
(to Guards)
Come on.
O'Brien and the Guards plunge into the airlock and go aboard
the ship.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/11/94 - TEASER 4.
2 CONTINUED:
Odo, Bashir, and the Nurse move to help the wounded.
ODO
(to wounded N.D.)
It's going to be all right...
NURSE
(to wounded N.D.)
I've got you.
Suddenly KAI WINN comes staggering out of the airlock, aided
by another Bajoran.
BAJORAN
This way, Eminence.
BASHIR
(shocked)
Kai Winn... ?
WINN
(coughing)
The Vedek... take care of the Vedek...
Two N.D. Bajorans now ENTER from the airlock carrying someone
between them. Bashir rushes up to them and reacts in shock
to what he sees. Odo sees his reaction and looks at the
wounded man -- it's a badly wounded VEDEK BAREIL.
ODO
(to com)
Odo to Kira.
KIRA'S COM VOICE
Kira here.
INTERCUT:
2A INT. OPS
As Kira listens to Odo.
ODO'S COM VOICE
I think you should meet us in the
Infirmary, Major. Vedek Bareil
was on the transport... and he's
been injured.
Off Kira's reaction...
3 OMITTED
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/18/94 - ACT ONE 5-5A.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes)
4 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Establishing the station.
SISKO (V.O.)
Station Log: Stardate 48498.4 A
Bajoran transport carrying both Kai
Winn and Vedek Bareil has docked at
the station following an accident
which nearly destroyed the vessel.
5 INT. INFIRMARY
Winn is lying on one of the biobeds. She appears unhurt,
with only a few scrapes. SISKO is standing nearby, and KIRA
is pacing in the b.g.
SISKO
Chief O'Brien tells me that your
ship suffered some kind of failure
in the plasma relay. You're lucky
to be alive.
WINN
The Prophets must have decided that
my work here is not yet complete.
(beat)
How is Bareil?
SISKO
Still in surgery.
Sisko and Kira exchange worried looks.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/18/94 - ACT ONE 6.
6 INT. SURGERY
Bashir and the Nurse seen earlier struggle to save Bareil's
life as he lies on the operating table. Bashir is checking
equipment and making hands-on inspections of his patient.
The mood is tense and urgent.
BASHIR
His heart rate is falling.
(to Nurse)
Fifty units inoprovaline.
The Nurse applies a hypospray to Bareil.
BASHIR
(off equipment)
Severe cerebral edema... with damage
to the cerebral artery... and the
neuroglial network.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/18/94 - ACT ONE 7.
6 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
(beat)
His vital signs are deteriorating
too quickly, we can't wait any longer.
(to Nurse)
Prep him for surgery.
As they rush about and prepare Bareil for surgery...
CUT TO:
7 INT. INFIRMARY
O'BRIEN ENTERS and hands Sisko a PADD. Winn is sitting on
the edge of the bed now as Kira looks on.
O'BRIEN
The report on the transport, sir.
SISKO
Give me the short version.
O'BRIEN
There was a molecular fracture in
one of the warp plasma conduits. It
was only a matter of time until it
gave way... once it collapsed the
entire relay system exploded.
WINN
Was it sabotage?
O'BRIEN
I don't think so.
KIRA
(to Winn)
Why would you suspect sabotage?
Winn glances around.
WINN
I'd prefer to discuss that with the
Emissary in private.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/16/94 - ACT ONE 8.
7 CONTINUED:
Kira looks to Sisko, who indicates he'll handle it. He
and Winn EXIT.
CUT TO:
8 INT. SURGERY
They have now moved the clamshell operating device over
Bareil. Bashir and the Nurse are wearing gloves and are in
the midst of surgery. Another N.D. Nurse is assisting them.
BASHIR
Put a pressor field on that artery.
NURSE
(works)
The arterial disruption is too
severe... the pressor can't stop the
hemorrhaging.
BASHIR
All right... clamp off the artery
for now and increase the plasma level
to maximum.
Another ALARM goes off.
NURSE
Cardiac arrest.
They work frantically again... Bareil is jolted... then jolted
again... Bashir and the Nurse relax as the heart starts again.
BASHIR
He can't take much more of that...
NURSE
His arterial pressure is falling...
BASHIR
I see it.
NURSE
Neurotransmitter levels are falling
too...
BASHIR
Two cc's cordrazine.
The Nurse hesitates, looks up at him for a beat.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/11/94 - ACT ONE 9.
8 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
Do it.
The Nurse begins making adjustments on a hypospray. But
before the Nurse can apply the hypo, yet another ALARM goes
off.
BASHIR
(urgent)
Synaptic failure!
They both frantically begin to work more medical equipment.
CUT TO:
8A INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE
Winn and Sisko are sitting at his desk. Sisko hands her
something to drink.
WINN
Vedek Bareil and I were on our way
to a secret meeting with a member of
the Cardassian Central Command. It
was my intention to open talks between
Bajor and Cardassia which would lead
to a treaty... and to a final peace
settlement.
Sisko is shocked... he takes a beat to let this sink in.
SISKO
You have been negotiating peace...
with Cardassia...
WINN
The Prophets teach us that while
violence may keep an enemy at bay...
only peace can make him a friend.
SISKO
How long has this been going on?
WINN
Bareil has been working to set up
this meeting with Legate Turrel for
the past five months. They've
discussed issues ranging from war
reparations to an exchange of
ambassadors.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/11/94 - ACT ONE 10.
8A CONTINUED:
WINN (Cont'd)
They've even discussed the possibility
of the Cardassians issuing a formal
apology for the pain and suffering
inflicted on the Bajoran people during
the occupation.
(beat)
I was on my way to our first face-to-
face meeting with Turrel when we had
the accident.
Sisko is genuinely surprised at this... it makes him look at
Winn a little differently.
SISKO
Please don't take this the wrong
way... but I never would've guessed
that you would be the one to bring
such a... bold vision of peace to
Bajor.
Winn smiles at him, grateful for the praise as always... but
her smile quickly fades.
WINN
A large share of the credit goes to
Vedek Bareil. Without him, the talks
would've never come this far.
SISKO
It sounds like you've developed a
deeper appreciation for Vedek Bareil.
WINN
I have to admit... he's been a very...
loyal and trustworthy aide since the
election. I'm not sure I could've
been as... forgiving if I'd been in
his place.
(beat)
These talks were his idea... he's
guided me through them... and without
him in the future... the talks may
never resume.
CUT TO:
9 INT. INFIRMARY
Kira is pacing restlessly when Bashir ENTERS. She turns and
looks at him...
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/11/94 - ACT ONE 10A.
9 CONTINUED:
... and there's a silent moment as she notices the grim look
on Bashir's face and realize what's happened. Bashir walks
into the room, goes directly to Kira.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/11/94 - ACT ONE 11.
9 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
I'm sorry. The radiation severely
damaged his neural pathways. I did
everything I could.
KIRA
(quiet)
I know you did. Did he ever regain
consciousness?
BASHIR
No. I don't think he suffered.
There are no tears in Kira's eyes. She takes the news
stoically, like a soldier hearing about the death of a buddy.
KIRA
Thank you, Doctor.
(beat)
I'm on duty in Ops. Excuse me.
She heads for the door, but Bashir stops her.
BASHIR
Kira.
BASHIR
(quietly)
I think they can get along without
you in Ops today.
KIRA
Maybe so. But I need to be there.
I appreciate your concern... but
I'll grieve in my own way... in my
own time.
Bashir looks at her for a beat, wants to reach out and help...
but realizes this is how Kira wants to handle it. He finally
nods. Kira turns and leaves. OFF Bashir's face as he watches
her go...
10 OMITTED
CUT TO:
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/15/94 - ACT ONE 12.
11 INT. SURGERY
Bareil is lying on the operating table, still covered by the
clamshell. There is a faint green LIGHT covering his entire
body, indicating a stasis field is in operation. The Nurse
is standing nearby and a cart of medical instruments has
been wheeled next to the table. Bashir ENTERS, goes over to
Bareil and looks down at him with a somber expression.
NURSE
We're ready to begin the autopsy,
Doctor.
Bashir takes a long beat... pushes aside whatever personal
feelings he may have... then gets down to business.
BASHIR
Release the stasis field.
The Nurse hits a control and the green light SHUTS OFF.
BASHIR
(to Nurse)
Let's begin with a neural scan. I
want to map his central axonal
pathways and find out exactly where
the breakdown began.
Bashir picks up a large device shaped like a helmet and places
it on Bareil's head, completely covering his face. The Nurse
activates the device, and Bashir moves to a monitor.
12 INCLUDE MONITOR (OPTICAL)
It shows a schematic diagram of Bareil's brain. The schematic
rotates and then zooms in, and we see a complex pattern of
synapses, neurons and other medical data on Bareil's brain.
NURSE
Should I begin taking neural tissue
samples?
Bashir nods and concentrates on the monitor. In the b.g.,
the Nurse holds up Bareil's arm and prepares to take tissue
samples.
BASHIR
Looks like the damage began in the
parietal lobe... and spread through
the rest of his brain in a retrograde
manner.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/16/94 - ACT ONE 13.
12 CONTINUED:
Suddenly on the monitor, a PINPOINT OF LIGHT flashes on
in Bareil's brain. Bashir reacts.
BASHIR
Wait a minute... A neuron just fired
in his cerebral cortex.
The Nurse places Bareil's arm back on the table and moves to
Bashir. And as she does so, another pinpoint of light appears
in the brain schematic.
BASHIR
There it is again.
Bashir thinks... looks over at Bareil. He moves over and
touches Bareil's arm -- and as he does so, another pinpoint
of light appears in his brain.
BASHIR
His nerves... his nerves are still
transmitting electrical impulses to
his brain...
NURSE
How can that be? His brain activity
level is zero. His nervous system
should be completely inactive.
BASHIR
I don't know... but it means that
his body is still capable of sending
messages to the brain... except the
brain can't process those messages.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/11/94 - ACT ONE 14.
12 CONTINUED: (2)
Bashir moves back to the monitor, studies it.
BASHIR
The radiation he was exposed to might
have fortified his peripheral cell
membranes...
Bashir works for a moment... then sees something on the
monitor.
BASHIR
The radiation has also left a residual
imprint of the original axonal
pathways in his brain.
Bashir takes a couple of paces. We can see his mind at
work...
BASHIR
If we could regenerate his pathways
using his own neuron cells... it
might be possible to revive him...
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/16/94 - ACT ONE 15.
12 CONTINUED: (3)
NURSE
What about brain damage? There's
been no oxygen to his brain for almost
forty minutes.
BASHIR
He was in stasis most of that time...
that, combined with the strengthening
of his cell membranes from the
radiation might buy us the time we
need...
As they work...
DISSOLVE TO:
13 INT. SURGERY
A few hours later. Bashir and the Nurse have their gloves
on again. Bareil's head is obscured by the clamshell, and
they are clearly working on the brain itself with some medical
equipment. Bashir is glancing at the monitors as he works.
BASHIR
We need to repolarize his nerve cells
with electrical impulses. The spino-
thalamic tract will transmit that
directly to the cerebral cortex.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/11/94 - ACT ONE 16.
13 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
If the burst is the proper intensity,
it might create a cascade effect
within his brain. The neurons might
resume their normal firing patterns...
They both look at each other. Bashir makes the decision.
BASHIR
Let's close up the cranial cavity.
DISSOLVE TO:
14 INT. SURGERY
An hour later. Bareil's head is covered with bandages.
Bashir is placing small devices on Bareil's extremities.
The Nurse is at a nearby console. Bashir makes a final
adjustment.
BASHIR
Neurogenic stimulators are in place...
let's try a fifty millivolt burst.
The Nurse hits a control and Bareil's body stiffens ever so
slightly. Bashir looks at the Nurse, who looks at the
console. She shakes her head after a beat.
BASHIR
Increase to sixty.
She activates it again. Bareil stiffens a little more. The
Nurse checks her console, shakes her head again.
BASHIR
Seventy.
NURSE
That's five millivolts above what
normal tissue can withstand. It'll
burn out his cerebral cortex.
BASHIR
If I'm right... the inoprovaline
drug I gave him should provide
additional resistance against the
excess electro-stimulation.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - 11/10/94 - ACT ONE 17.
14 CONTINUED:
BASHIR (Cont'd)
(beat)
Seventy.
The Nurse hits a few controls, and then Bareil stiffens
rigidly. A long beat as the Nurse watches her console.
Suddenly she reacts in shock to something she sees.
NURSE
Doctor...
At that moment, Bareil suddenly inhales on the table. He
begins breathing again. Other monitors come to life -- show
a heartbeat, brain activity, respiration. Bashir reaches
and touches Bareil's neck -- there's a pulse. He smiles a
little, is about to say something to the Nurse when suddenly,
Bareil's eyes flutter open... and he glances up at Bashir.
OFF Bashir's face...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/11/94 - ACT TWO 18.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
15 INT. SURGERY
A short time later. Bareil is lying on the table, but now
he's awake, if still weak and a little groggy. Bashir is
talking to Sisko, Kira, and Winn, while the Nurse is in the
b.g. Kira is standing next to the table, holding Bareil's
hand and looking down at him with a mixture of astonishment
and joy.
BASHIR
... it's too early to tell for certain,
but I'm hoping he'll make a full
recovery. He may even be back on
his feet again in a few weeks.
SISKO
(smiles)
You say that so calmly. But it's
not every doctor that loses a patient
and then has him back on his feet in
a few weeks.
WINN
Indeed, you're far too modest. You've
performed nothing less than a miracle
here... the Prophets must walk with
you, Doctor.
Bashir looks a little embarrassed at the praise.
BASHIR
Well, I -- and the Prophets, were
lucky that the ionizing radiation
left a residual signature on Bareil's
axonal pathways. That's what really
made this possible.
Bareil manages to croak out a few words.
BAREIL
(difficult)
Whoever deserves... the credit... I
am... grateful, Doctor.
Winn moves to him and looks down with a kind look on her
face.
WINN
And I am grateful that you were not
taken from us, Vedek Bareil.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/16/94 - ACT TWO 19.
15 CONTINUED:
BAREIL
My work here... is not... yet
finished.
WINN
No... it is not. We must resume the
negotiations immediately. We can't
risk losing the momentum we've
established.
(to Sisko)
I would like to send a coded message
to Legate Turrel... and invite him
to come to DS Nine to continue the
talks.
BASHIR
Wait a minute. Bareil's in no
condition to conduct negotiations.
WINN
Bareil will simply be advising me,
Doctor. I will conduct the actual
talks.
Bashir thinks about this for a moment before answering.
BASHIR
I'll allow it as long as your visits
don't tire him.
WINN
Agreed.
(to Bareil)
We will speak again soon.
BAREIL
Eminence...
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/11/94 - ACT TWO 20.
15 CONTINUED: (2)
Winn and Sisko now both EXIT. Bashir moves off to check
on some equipment, leaving Kira and Bareil alone for a minute.
Bareil looks up at her... smiles slightly.
BAREIL
So... are we still playing springball
next month?
KIRA
(smiles)
You bet... but I think I'll have an
unfair advantage.
BAREIL
You mean playing against a dead man?
KIRA
No... I mean I've been practicing.
Bareil smiles and they share a moment together.
CUT TO:
16 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
The station as before.
16A INT. SISKO'S QUARTERS
Jake is waiting as NOG ENTERS.
NOG
My Dad said you were looking for me.
JAKE
Yeah. Uh... it's about tomorrow
night...
NOG
Don't worry, I've already taken care
of it. I met these three Terrellians
who were bragging about how great
they are at dom-jot. So I arranged
a game... us against them -- a strip
of latinum a game, double-back rules.
JAKE
Look, Nog... we have a little
problem...
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/11/94 - ACT TWO 20A.
16A CONTINUED:
NOG
No we don't. I guarantee that we
can beat them.
JAKE
It's not that. I just can't do it
tomorrow night.
NOG
But it has to be tomorrow night.
They're leaving the next day.
JAKE
I... I made other plans.
NOG
What could be more important than
dom-jot?
JAKE
I have a date.
NOG
Oh. Well, that's different.
JAKE
It is?
NOG
Yeah. Money is money, but women are
better.
JAKE
Is that a Rule of Acquisition?
NOG
It's a personal rule. So, who is
she?
JAKE
Leanne.
NOG
Leanne! Way to go, Jake.
He pats him on the shoulder.
NOG
(continuing)
So, what's the name of my date? I
hope she's as cute as Leanne.
JAKE
Your date?
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/11/94 - ACT TWO 20B.
16A CONTINUED: (2)
NOG
She is humanoid isn't she?
JAKE
Nog... Leanne invited me out. You...
never came up in the conversation.
NOG
A pretty girl asks you out on a date
and you get confused. I understand.
JAKE
(relieved)
Good.
NOG
So... she has a friend, right?
JAKE
Well, I'm sure she does...
NOG
Then tell her to bring her along.
JAKE
Nog, that's not what I had in mind.
NOG
That's because you were confused.
Would you rather the three of us go
out?
Jake can see the writing on the wall here and gives in.
JAKE
Well, when you put it that way...
NOG
Exactly.
(beat)
One thing, Jake... you're still pretty
new at this dating business... just
promise me you won't do anything to
embarrass me.
JAKE
(sarcastic)
I'll do my best.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/11/94 - ACT TWO 21.
16A CONTINUED: (3)
NOG
(smiling in
anticipation)
This is going to be great. I may
even wash my lobes.
Off Jake's resigned expression...
CUT TO:
17 OMITTED
18 INT. INFIRMARY
DAX is here having a little fun teasing Bashir, who is working
at a console.
DAX
You know Julian, I've been thinking.
Once you publish your work on this
case, they'll probably name a building
after you at Starfleet Medical.
BASHIR
I doubt that.
DAX
Maybe a statue... you and your trusty
tricorder, pushing the bounds of
medical knowledge.
BASHIR
Jadzia, you're such a romantic.
DAX
What about a plaque? A nice big
plaque.
A concerned look comes over his face as he looks at something
on the monitor.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/16/94 - ACT TWO 22-24.
DAX
Julian, I'm just kidding.
BASHIR
It's not that. Bareil's circulatory
system is starting to fail.
Off Bashir's grim look...
CUT TO:
19 OMITTED
20 INT. SURGERY
Bareil is now sitting up in bed and arguing with Winn. Mid-
conversation.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/16/94 - ACT TWO 25.
20 CONTINUED:
BAREIL
I suggest that we put off any
discussion of the Cardassians
returning the Orbs until after
diplomatic relations have been
established.
WINN
That will only delay an inevitable
argument.
BAREIL
But it will give the peace process a
chance to grow. Once the Cardassians
are invested in the process, it may
be easier to discuss matters like
this.
Winn isn't happy with that answer, but she can see the wisdom
of it. Bashir ENTERS in the b.g.
WINN
(reluctant)
Very well.
BAREIL
A wise decision, Eminence.
WINN
I hope so, Vedek Bareil.
(glances at Bashir)
The first meeting with Turrel is
scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. I
will see you again before then.
Winn EXITS. Bareil picks up on Bashir's grim look.
BAREIL
You're not here to deliver good news,
I take it?
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/15/94 - ACT TWO 26.
20 CONTINUED: (2)
BASHIR
To revive you, I had to flood your
nervous system with neurogenic
radiation. Unfortunately, it looks
as though that caused some kind of
selective vaso-constriction in your
arteries. The result is an inadequate
blood flow to your internal organs.
BAREIL
So what do we do?
BASHIR
We need to place you back in stasis
and do more research on your
condition.
BAREIL
For how long?
BASHIR
I can't say right now. It could be
days, weeks... even months.
BAREIL
Maybe even years... ?
BASHIR
Maybe.
BAREIL
I'm sorry, Doctor, but that's not
acceptable. I can't allow myself to
be put "in storage" when my people
need me. I don't want to wake up to
find a Bajor still haunted by the
memory of the occupation.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/14/94 - ACT TWO 27.
20 CONTINUED: (3)
Bashir studies him for a moment, trying to get understand
his patient better.
BASHIR
I realize how important these talks
are to Bajor... but as your physician
my duty is to you first.
BAREIL
And my duty is to Bajor. Help me
heal my people. That's all that
matters to me, Doctor.
Bareil looks away for a long moment.
BAREIL
(quiet)
You could say I'm making up for past
mistakes.
(off his look)
Winn would never have been selected
Kai if I hadn't dropped out of the
election.
(beat)
A lot of people were counting on me
to lead Bajor. They were... shocked
when I backed out.
BASHIR
But you can't risk your life just to
look better in their eyes.
BAREIL
I want to look better in my own eyes.
This is important to me. I want to
bring a lasting peace to Bajor and
Cardassia. It's why the Prophets
spared my life when the plasma relay
exploded...
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/11/94 - ACT TWO 27A.
20 CONTINUED: (4)
BAREIL (Cont'd)
and it's why they let you bring me
back to life.
(beat)
There must be some option besides
placing me in stasis.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/14/94 - ACT TWO 28.
20 CONTINUED: (5)
Bashir thinks about this for a minute... he doesn't like
it, but he has to make his patient aware of all the options.
BASHIR
There is an experimental drug --
called Vasokin -- that would increase
the blood flow to your organs and
might allow you to function normally
for a while. But there's a great
deal of risk associated with it.
BAREIL
What sort of risk?
BASHIR
In twenty-two percent of the cases
on record, Vasokin has severely
damaged the patient's heart, lungs,
and kidneys... sometimes the brain.
In your condition, it could even be
fatal.
BAREIL
But it would allow me to function
normally for the next few days?
BASHIR
Yes. But are those few days worth
risking your life?
BAREIL
I have no great desire to die, Doctor.
But I am determined to carry out the
will of the Prophets as long as I'm
able... and I can't carry out their
will if I'm lying unconscious in a
stasis tube.
(beat)
Please Doctor... begin the Vasokin
treatments.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/14/94 - ACT TWO 28A.
20 CONTINUED: (6)
Bashir looks at him... still has grave doubts about this...
but it's his duty to carry out the wishes of his patient.
BASHIR
All right. We'll begin this
afternoon. I just hope we don't
come to regret this.
BAREIL
So do I..
Bareil smiles a little and lies back on the bed. But the
look on Bashir's face is very concerned and it's clear that
he's worried about the future.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - 11/10/94 - ACT THREE 29.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
21 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
As before.
SISKO (V.O.)
Station Log: Supplemental. Legate
Turrel has arrived aboard the station
to resume the negotiations. Vedek
Bareil suggested that I sit in on
the talks as an impartial observer,
and Kai Winn has agreed.
22 INT. WARDROOM
Winn is sitting across the table from LEGATE TURREL, a
Cardassian member of the Central Command. Sisko is sitting
at the end of the table, between the two of them. Winn is
trying to be a diplomat here, but her deep-seated hatred of
the Cardassians is still bleeding through. For his part,
Turrel has no love for Winn and is contemptuous of her lack
of diplomatic skills. Sisko is trying his best to keep the
discussions moving.
TURREL
(patient)
Perhaps you didn't hear me. There
are no Bajoran prisoners left in
Cardassian hands.
Winn glares at him, but manages to restrain her temper.
SISKO
(quickly)
Maybe we should redefine our terms.
(to Turrel)
Perhaps there are no official
prisoners... but could there be a
number of, shall we say... detainees?
Turrel takes that in for a moment.
TURREL
(brusque)
There are, of course, people being
detained in the Justice Ministry for
crimes against the state.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - 11/10/94 - ACT THREE 30.
22 CONTINUED:
TURREL
But that's a discussion for another
time. Let's move on.
(beat)
I'd like to discuss what you've called
"war reparations." We would be
willing to pay for the destruction
of all Bajoran property incurred
during the occupation... as long as
you are willing to return to us all
Cardassian equipment and property
left behind on Bajor.
Winn looks suspicious... this sounds reasonable, but is it
some kind of trap?
WINN
What sort of... property?
TURREL
(casual)
Anything that is clearly of Cardassian
origin and that was inadvertently
left on Bajor when our forces pulled
out.
SISKO
Could you be more specific?
TURREL
Of course. I can provide lists of
material... equipment... as long as
we have an agreement in principle
that anything of Cardassian origin
does still belong to the Cardassian
people.
Winn is uncertain what to do here... she opts to take the
safe way out.
WINN
I... will consider your offer.
TURREL
(smiles)
Good. Just remember that my offer
to pay war reparations is linked to
your acceptance of this principle.
After all, it is our property we're
asking to return.
(beat)
Shall we take a recess?
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - 11/10/94 - ACT THREE 31.
22 CONTINUED: (2)
Winn nods and Turrel EXITS. Winn goes to the window...
she looks weary, laden with stress and anxiety.
WINN
He's up to something.
SISKO
That much seems clear.
WINN
But what? Why is he insisting on
this... principle of his? And what
about that demand for mining rights
he made earlier? What was that all
about?
SISKO
I wish I could be of more help...
but without knowing the entire
negotiating record of the talks,
it's hard to see the larger strategy
at work.
Winn looks out the window for a long beat.
WINN
(quiet)
I need Bareil.
(beat)
He's the only one who knows the entire
negotiating record. Bareil's been
talking with Turrel for months... he
understands him... respects him... I
think he even likes him.
SISKO
(grim)
I'm afraid you may have to face the
possibility that Bareil may not be
able to help you much longer.
WINN
I was chosen by the Prophets to lead
our people into a new era... I know
that. But I was never meant to sit
in a room with a Cardassian and debate
legalisms and "diplomatic nuances."
She faces Sisko directly... this is as genuine and honest as
Winn gets.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/16/94 - ACT THREE 3.
22 CONTINUED: (3)
WINN
I can't do this without Bareil. If
he dies... then peace with Cardassia
dies with him.
Off Sisko's somber look...
CUT TO:
23 INT. QUARK'S - SECOND LEVEL
Jake, Nog, Leanne and a human girl named RISKA are sitting
around a table with a large alien pot of green glop in the
center -- this is a sort of fondue concoction, where each of
them has long skewers which they plunge into the glop and
pull out tasty treats. They also have plates of food with
various meats and other delicacies.
Jake and Leanne are chatting with an obvious interest in
each other. Nog is adopting a more superior, almost regal
attitude. Although he'll seem obnoxious and rude throughout
the scene, from his point of view, he's acting perfectly
normal for a Ferengi male on a date. When he speaks to Riska,
he addresses her with a smile... proud of himself and his
prowess with women.
LEANNE
My father used to take me to the
wilderness preserves on Vulcan. So
for years I thought their whole planet
was like that -- animals and plants
everywhere. I didn't know there
were any people on Vulcan.
NOG
Boy, does she talk a lot for a female.
LEANNE
(surprised)
Excuse me?
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/15/94 - ACT THREE 32A.
23 CONTINUED:
JAKE
(jumps in)
Riska... weren't you telling me your
uncle runs a bar on Osinar Six? You
know, Nog's uncle runs this bar.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/16/94 - ACT THREE 33.
23 CONTINUED: (2)
RISKA
Is that right?
NOG
Let's not make foolish conversation.
Just sit there and look beautiful.
A very uncomfortable silence. Jake leans over to Nog as
Riska and Leanne exchange a look.
JAKE
(sotto)
Nog, what do you think you're doing?
NOG
(sotto, confident)
Jake... I think I know how to handle
females.
(in a loud voice)
Jake, you know I was thinking...
after we're done eating, we could
take these females into the
holosuites. I borrowed one of my
uncle's private programs: "The
Massacre of Ferris Nine." I thought
we'd spend an hour pillaging and
looting the frightened townspeople.
RISKA
I don't think so.
NOG
No one's asking you to think, my
dear.
(gives her his plate
of food)
Here, make yourself useful. Cut up
my food for me.
RISKA
You're joking, right?
Nog looks at her for a beat, and then he begins to laugh.
The other three then laugh out of relief... it seems that
Nog was just playing with them after all.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/16/94 - ACT THREE 34.
23 CONTINUED: (3)
But then Nog turns to Jake...
NOG
(chuckling, to Jake)
She's so dumb.
(beat)
She's perfect.
RISKA
That's it.
Riska gets up and storms off. Leanne isn't far behind.
Jake jumps up to stop Leanne.
JAKE
(to Leanne)
Wait, you're not going?
LEANNE
I suppose you want me to sit here
and cut up your food, too?
JAKE
I never said anything about cutting --
LEANNE
I hope you and your friend have fun
in the holosuites.
She turns and leaves. A furious Jake turns back to Nog.
JAKE
Nog...
NOG
(angry)
Don't say another word, Jake. I
think you've done enough damage for
one night.
JAKE
Me?
NOG
Yeah, you. You were treating my
female as if she was an equal.
JAKE
And you were behaving like an idiot.
This is the last time I do you a
favor, Nog. From now on, you get
your own dates.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/16/94 - ACT THREE 35.
23 CONTINUED: (4)
NOG
And you can find someone else to
play dom-jot with.
JAKE
Fine!
NOG
Good!
The two of them storm off in different directions.
CUT TO:
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/18/94 - ACT THREE 36.
26 INT. INFIRMARY OR SURGERY
Bareil is lying on the biobed, holding a PADD in his hand
and trying to concentrate as Winn goes through the problems
of the negotiation. Kira is watching Bareil with grave
concern. Bareil is in serious pain here... it's hard to
think straight, much less to give cogent advice to the
demanding Winn.
BAREIL
Turrel is trying... to get a
concession from you that I already...
rejected. Tell him the question
of... Cardassian property on Bajor
was dealt with in the armistice talks
four years ago. Don't worry... he'll
still pay the reparations.
WINN
What about this question of mining
rights?
Bareil tries to concentrate, but he's definitely having
trouble putting aside the pain. Bashir ENTERS and goes
immediately to check on Bareil. Winn turns and moves to
Bashir.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/14/94 - ACT THREE 37.
26 CONTINUED:
WINN
His attention has been wandering and
he's in pain. Give him more of the
drug.
BASHIR
He's had enough.
WINN
Then you need to give him something
else. The negotiations resume in
less than six hours and we have over
forty pages of --
BASHIR
(deadly serious)
Listen to me. I don't care about
your negotiations, and I don't care
about your treaty. All I care about
is my patient and at the moment, he
needs more medical care and less
politics.
(beat)
Now, you can leave here willingly or
I'll call security and have you
removed.
KIRA
You won't have to call them. I'll
do it myself.
Winn glares at them both, but knows they mean it. She glances
down at Bareil and softens a bit -- after all she needs Bareil
and even genuinely cares for him in her own way.
WINN
Put yourself in the hands of the
Prophets, Bareil. They will not
forsake you.
BAREIL
Yes... Eminence.
Winn EXITS. Kira moves to Bareil and sits down next to him.
Bareil is bathed in sweat and is in obvious agony. Bashir
takes a medical tricorder and begins checking the readings
with some equipment.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/16/94 - ACT THREE 38.
26 CONTINUED: (2)
Bashir's face is getting grimmer as he examines the
readings on the equipment.
KIRA
(to Bareil)
Anything I can do... ?
BAREIL
Just... be here.
Bashir closes the tricorder and faces his patient with a
somber expression.
BAREIL
I'm getting to... dislike seeing
that look... on your face, Doctor.
Kira looks up at Bashir with apprehension. Bashir can't
sugarcoat his news.
BASHIR
As I feared, the Vasokin has begun
to damage your internal organs.
(beat)
The damage is irreversible.
That sinks in for a moment.
KIRA
What happens now?
BASHIR
I can replace the damaged organs
with artificial implants. But as
long as you're taking the drug, I
can't guarantee that the damage won't
spread. I think you should
reconsider letting me put you in
stasis.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/17/94 - ACT THREE 39.
26 CONTINUED: (3)
Bareil focuses on Bashir with a great effort. He fights
to make sure that his wishes are clear.
BAREIL
(with a smile)
I'm afraid my mind's made up, Doctor.
Just get me through these
negotiations... I must carry out the
will of the Prophets. Please.
Whatever it takes... just do it.
Bareil's head falls back on the pillow and Kira holds his
hand. Off Bashir's face as he contemplates the difficult
and grim choices that lie ahead...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/10/94 - ACT FOUR 40.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
27 INT. WARDROOM
Winn is sitting at the table, poring over information on a
large number of PADDS, when Bashir ENTERS. Winn glances up
at him and then resumes her studies. Winn's first barb is
pointed, but not truly harsh.
WINN
Are you going to call security and
have me removed from this room now,
Doctor?
Bashir manages a small smile.
BASHIR
It hadn't occurred to me... yet.
Winn looks up at him and we can see a small flash of what
might be respect for Bashir as he verbally parries her thrust.
She studies him, and then sits back with a tolerant look.
WINN
How is Bareil?
BASHIR
The organ replacement surgery went
well. He's still unconscious, but
he should be awake within the hour.
WINN
Good. There are several points I
still have to discuss with him before
the next negotiating session.
BASHIR
That's why I'm here. When you see
Bareil... I want you to tell him
that you don't need him... that you
can complete these negotiations
without him.
WINN
But I do need him, Doctor.
BASHIR
I realize that. But I want you to
tell him that you don't.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/11/94 - ACT FOUR 41.
27 CONTINUED:
WINN
You seem to be asking me to lie.
BASHIR
I'm asking you to free Bareil from
his obligations to you. And the
only way he'll accept that is if you
say he's no longer needed... that
you can do this alone. Now, if that's
a lie... then so be it.
Winn studies him for a moment, Bashir meets her gaze steadily.
WINN
That doesn't sound like a... Starfleet
officer.
BASHIR
I'm a doctor first. And right now,
I'm trying to give my patient his
best chance to live. The way to do
that is to put him in stasis. Bareil
knows that... but his desire to
complete these negotiations is so
strong that he's forcing me to keep
him conscious and mentally alert,
even though it may kill him.
WINN
None of us wants that to happen,
Doctor. But unless I'm mistaken...
the decision regarding Bareil's
treatment is up to him.
BASHIR
Yes... as the patient, it's his right
to make that choice. But I'm asking
you to help me change his mind.
Winn gets up and paces around the room for a moment. Bashir
is pulling out all the stops here in a desperate attempt to
sway her.
BASHIR
(continuing)
Eminence... you're the Kai... these
are your negotiations... let this be
your moment in history. Finish the
talks on your own and you won't have
to share the credit with anyone.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/10/94 - ACT FOUR 41A.
27 CONTINUED: (2)
Winn thinks about this for a long moment... then turns back
to Bashir.
WINN
You say that as though success is
guaranteed, Doctor...
A beat as Bashir studies her... realizes --
BASHIR
Of course. If the talks fail, you
need someone to accept the blame, a
scapegoat... you're a coward... you're
afraid to stand alone!
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/15/94 - ACT FOUR 42.
27 CONTINUED: (3)
Winn's eyes flash and she turns on him.
WINN
(icy)
Bareil's already made his decision,
Doctor... I won't interfere.
Bashir turns to go.
WINN
(continuing)
And Doctor...
(Bashir pauses)
I will not forget what you've said
here.
Bashir gives her a very direct look.
BASHIR
Neither will I.
Bashir EXITS.
CUT TO:
28 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
as before.
29 INT. SISKO'S QUARTERS
Sisko and Jake are having dinner. Jake seems distracted...
morose. Sisko notices.
SISKO
So... you never told me about your
double-date...
JAKE
Not much to tell...
SISKO
That's not what I hear. Quark tells
me that you and Nog aren't speaking
to one another.
JAKE
You should've seen the way he acted,
Dad. He was acting like a spoiled
brat. I've never been so embarrassed.
I don't think Leanne will ever speak
to me again.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/14/94 - ACT FOUR 43.
29 CONTINUED:
SISKO
So what did he do?
JAKE
All kinds of stupid things. Riska
couldn't say two words without him
telling her to be quiet... he insisted
that she cut up his food before he'd
eat it... he treated her like she
was some kind of slave.
SISKO
And you're surprised?
JAKE
Yeah. Aren't you?
SISKO
It sounds like he's acting like a
Ferengi to me. You can't really
blame him for that.
JAKE
Well, in that case, maybe you were
right all along.
SISKO
About what?
JAKE
You once said that Humans and Ferengis
are too different to ever really be
friends.
SISKO
I remember saying that... and you
know what? I was wrong. You and
Nog proved that. Sure, you have your
cultural differences, but there's a
real bond between you.
Jake thinks it over for a minute.
JAKE
Well, I know one thing... I'm never
going to set him up on a date again.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/16/94 - ACT FOUR 44.
29 CONTINUED: (2)
SISKO
(smiling)
That's probably not a bad idea.
(beat)
I think you two should talk this
over before it gets to be too big a
problem.
JAKE
I'm not sure Nog's going to be willing
to talk to me so soon.
SISKO
Well... I guess you'll just have to
do something to get his attention.
Off Jake's face as he thinks about this...
CUT TO:
30 INT. BASHIR'S QUARTERS
Bashir is sitting at a desk, looking at a monitor screen
which has an Okudagram of medical information on it. A mug
of coffee sits nearby. Bashir looks haggard, tired, on the
verge of exhaustion. He rubs his eyes for a moment.
BASHIR
Physician, heal thyself...
He pushes the monitor away, gets up and lies down on a couch,
closes his eyes for a much needed sleep. But he no sooner
closes his eyes when there's an urgent Com Voice.
NURSE'S COM VOICE
Doctor Bashir to the Infirmary.
Medical Emergency.
BASHIR
On my way.
Bashir bolts out of the room.
CUT TO:
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/15/94 - ACT FOUR 45.
31 INT. INFIRMARY OR SURGERY
Bareil is lying on a biobed, and SCREAMING in agony as the
Nurse tries to restrain him from doing any permanent damage.
Winn is standing nearby with a shocked look on her face as
Bashir ENTERS.
BASHIR
(to Nurse)
What happened?
NURSE
I don't know.
Bashir makes a few quick checks of Bareil, who is still
moaning and writhing in pain.
BASHIR
(to Nurse)
Two cc's morphenolog.
(to Bareil)
It's going to be all right. I'm
going to help you.
The Nurse applies a hypospray to Bareil and he falls
unconscious. Bashir and the Nurse quickly begin scanning
Bareil with tricorders and other medtech devices. Bashir
glances up at the visibly shaken Winn.
BASHIR
(to Nurse)
I left instructions that he wasn't
to have visitors for another three
hours.
WINN
It's not her fault. Bareil called
me himself... said he had some ideas
on the treaty.
BASHIR
(to Winn)
And you just couldn't wait to hear
them.
Bashir reacts to something on the tricorder... it's not good.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/14/94 - ACT FOUR 46.
31 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
The left temporal lobe is showing
signs of massive synaptic failure.
(beat)
I hope you got all the advice you
needed, Eminence... the Vasokin has
damaged his brain. And I'm afraid
the damage... is irreversible.
OFF Bashir's grim face...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/15/94 - ACT FIVE 47.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
32 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE
Sisko, Kira, Winn and Bashir.
SISKO
Will he regain consciousness?
BASHIR
Not in his present condition.
WINN
You were able to replace some of his
internal organs with artificial
implants... could you do something
similar with the damaged areas of
his brain?
Bashir looks troubled at this.
BASHIR
I'm not sure we should pursue that
option.
WINN
But it is an option.
BASHIR
There have been cases where small
portions of the brain have been
replaced with implants. But in this
instance I'd have to replace his
entire left hemisphere. There's a
good chance he might lose something
in the process.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/15/94 - ACT FIVE 48.
32 CONTINUED:
WINN
What do you mean exactly? His memory?
His personality?
BASHIR
It's hard to say with any certainty.
There's still a great deal about the
way the brain operates that we don't
understand.
(beat)
One of my professors in medical school
used to say that the brain had a
"spark of life" that can't be
replicated. If we begin replacing
parts of Bareil's brain with
artificial implants, that spark may
be lost.
KIRA
But you're saying if we don't do it,
Bareil will never regain
consciousness, and he'll die.
Bashir nods. Sisko takes a deep breath, sits on the edge of
his desk.
SISKO
I think we need to consider what
Bareil would want us to do.
Kira turns and looks out the windows, lost in thought.
WINN
Vedek Bareil wanted to continue with
the negotiations, no matter what the
cost.
BASHIR
With all due respect, your Eminence,
you're hardly an impartial observer
here. You have a personal interest
in these talks.
WINN
There's more at stake than just one
man's life.
BASHIR
One man's life is all I'm concerned
about at the moment.
Kira turns to Bashir.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/15/94 - ACT FIVE 49.
32 CONTINUED: (2)
KIRA
I think she's right, Julian. I think
Bareil would want the positronic
implant.
BASHIR
Kira... if I go through with this,
the man who wakes up may not be the
man you used to know.
KIRA
I realize that... but I know how
important this was to him... and I
know he wouldn't just want to be put
into stasis indefinitely, waiting
for a medical solution that may never
come.
(beat)
Do the operation, Julian. Let him
finish what he started.
There's a long beat, then Sisko steps forward.
SISKO
I'd like to talk to the doctor alone
for a moment.
Kira and Winn EXIT.
SISKO
I just want you to know that as far
as I'm concerned, your word is final
in this situation. If you feel it's
wrong to proceed with the operation,
then that's the way it'll be. Kai
Winn can protest all she wants...
but I'll support you.
BASHIR
Thank you.
Bashir EXITS.
CUT TO:
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/14/94 - ACT FIVE 50.
33 INT. SECURITY
Odo is sitting at his desk when Jake ENTERS.
ODO
Mister Sisko.
JAKE
Odo, I'd like you to do me a favor.
(beat)
I want to be arrested.
OFF Odo's look of surprise...
CUT TO:
34 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
as before.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/10/94 - ACT FIVE 51.
35 INT. HOLDING CELL (OPTICAL)
Jake is sitting in a cell, looking miserable as Odo brings
in a protesting Nog.
NOG
This is outrageous! I didn't steal
anything from the Tholian Ambassador!
ODO
Just another innocent man arrested
for a crime he didn't commit.
Nog sees Jake in the cell and reacts in surprise.
NOG
What's he doing here?
ODO
As if you didn't know. Your
accomplice here denied involvement
as well... but I have an eyewitness
who saw both of you breaking into
the Tholian Ambassador's quarters
last night.
NOG
I don't even know what a Tholian
looks like!
ODO
Tell it to the Magistrate.
Odo deactivates the force field. Nog eyes Jake with
hostility.
NOG
At least put me in my own cell.
ODO
I'm sorry the accommodations aren't
to your liking. Please feel free to
submit a complaint to the management.
Odo throws Nog inside with Jake and then activates the force
field and EXITS, leaving an apparently Nog and Jake together.
CUT TO:
36 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
as before.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/14/94 - ACT FIVE 52.
37 INT. INFIRMARY
Kira and Winn are anxiously waiting for word about Bareil.
After a few beats, Bashir ENTERS with a weary and solemn
look.
BASHIR
The positronic implant is functioning
normally... the mid-brain interface
is on-line... and he's awake.
Kira and Winn exchange a look... neither of them knowing
really what to expect and then they follow Bashir to...
38 INT. SURGERY - CONTINUOUS
Bareil is lying awake on the table as Bashir, Kira and Winn
ENTER. Kira goes to him, searches for some sign of
recognition.
KIRA
Bareil?
Bareil looks at her... but he could be looking at a potted
plant for all the reaction he shows. He's distant, his eyes
vacant... and we get the inescapable feeling that Bareil has
been diminished in some profound way. Kira takes his hand
in hers.
BAREIL
(flat)
Yes, Major.
KIRA
How do you feel?
He stares at her (or is it through her?) for a long beat
before answering.
BAREIL
I'm... awake.
(looks around)
Everything is... different.
KIRA
Different in what way?
Bareil struggles for a moment to put this into words, but
it's clear that he is only a shadow of his former self.
Bareil looks down at her hand holding his.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/15/94 - ACT FIVE 53.
38 CONTINUED:
BAREIL
It's hard to explain... but when you
touch me... it doesn't seem real...
it's more like... a distant memory
of a touch...
Kira takes that in for a moment... it's a difficult statement
to hear from someone you love. Winn steps forward.
WINN
(gently)
Vedek... do you remember the
negotiations? I have some questions
for you.
Bareil turns away from Kira to think about this and in that
moment it's as if Bareil has forgotten that Kira even exists.
He drops her hand and completely focuses on Winn.
BAREIL
(smiles)
Of course, I do Eminence. The
negotiations. A giant puzzle that
needs to be solved.
Everyone exchanges a look at this.
KIRA
It's a little more important than a
puzzle.
Winn sits down on the bed next to him.
WINN
(smiles)
If the Vedek chooses to look at the
talks as a puzzle, then so be it.
All that's important is that he helps
me solve the puzzle.
BAREIL
I'll do all I can.
Kira gives Bashir a stricken look... she doesn't know what
to say or do... and then she EXITS. Bashir watches Winn
begin to call up information on the PADD she's carrying.
OFF his face as he looks at what's become of his patient...
CUT TO:
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/14/94 - ACT FIVE 53A.
39 INT. HOLDING CELL (OPTICAL)
Jake is sitting in the cell, and Nog is pacing.
NOG
Something's wrong...
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/10/94 - ACT FIVE 54.
39 CONTINUED:
JAKE
No kidding...
NOG
That's not what I mean. My father
told me that if I got caught stealing
again, he was going to send me back
to live on the Ferengi homeworld
with my grandmother. So where is
he? Why isn't he here yelling and
threatening me? And where's Uncle
Quark? I'm late for work. And come
to think of it, what are you doing
here?
JAKE
Ask Odo.
NOG
No, no, no. Throwing you in here
wasn't Odo's idea. You don't just
arrest the station commander's son
without some really strong evidence.
And I know there is no evidence
because I know we didn't do anything.
So why are we here, Jake?
There's a beat -- Jake knows he's busted.
JAKE
All right... I put Odo up to it
because I wanted to talk to you.
NOG
In here?
JAKE
I didn't think you'd listen to me
otherwise.
NOG
Well, this better be good.
JAKE
I wanted to say... I'm sorry. I
guess I just forgot you're a Ferengi.
NOG
You forgot? To most people, the
lobes are a dead giveaway.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/10/94 - ACT FIVE 55.
39 CONTINUED: (2)
JAKE
What I mean is... we spend so much
time together... and we seem so much
alike... I sometimes forget we're
different.
NOG
I know we're different. Anyone who
would talk to a female with such
fawning respect is no Ferengi. It
made me sick.
JAKE
You want to talk about sick? Sick
is making Riska cut up your food for
you.
NOG
At least I didn't have her chew it
for me.
JAKE
Chew it?
NOG
That's right. In traditional Ferengi
homes, the female softens the food
with her teeth before serving it to
the male.
JAKE
That is disgusting.
NOG
I knew you'd react that way, which
is why I didn't ask her to do it.
JAKE
Well, do you have any other disgusting
Ferengi customs I should know about?
NOG
Plenty. And you have plenty of human
customs that disgust me.
JAKE
Great. So we both disgust each other.
You know, as we get older, this is
just going to get worse. But I know
one thing... I don't want to lose
you as a friend.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/10/94 - ACT FIVE 56.
39 CONTINUED: (3)
NOG
Well, in that case double-dating is
definitely out.
JAKE
Agreed. And I guess we'll have to
deal with the rest of our disgusting
habits as they come up.
NOG
I guess so. You feel better?
JAKE
Yeah.
NOG
Good. Now can we get out of here?
JAKE
Sure.
(calls out)
Odo?
(silence)
Odo?
(beat)
He's just playing around. Odo!
Nog sits down on the bench as Jake starts to wonder if Odo's
coming back.
CUT TO:
40 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
as before.
SISKO (V.O.)
Station Log, Supplemental. Kai Winn
has announced that Legate Turrel has
signed the peace treaty. The news
has sent a shockwave throughout the
quadrant...
41 INT. WARDROOM
The room is gaily decorated for a celebration with food,
drink, etc. The room is filled with Bajoran N.D.s and
dignitaries, along with Odo, DAX and Sisko. Winn is here
also, surrounded by Bajorans. She is receiving thanks and
toasts -- clearly, the woman of the hour. QUARK has catered
the occasion, and there are a couple of N.D. Ferengi waiters
in evidence.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/15/94 - ACT FIVE 57.
41 CONTINUED:
SISKO (V.O.)
(continuing)
And although there is still some
opposition from hard-line elements
on both Bajor and Cardassia... it
looks as though they're finally
willing to put their long conflict
behind them.
Bashir is here also. He takes a drink from a tray and sits
in an out-of-the-way place. His expression is somber, clearly
not joining in the fun.
Dax notes his gloomy expression and she goes to sit next to
him.
DAX
Remind me not to invite you to my
next party.
Bashir manages to smile a little.
BASHIR
Sorry. I guess I am sort of casting
a pall over this gathering.
DAX
No one expects you to provide the
entertainment, Julian. But you should
try to enjoy yourself. After all,
this celebration is for you, too.
BASHIR
Frankly, I'm not sure what I've done
deserves a celebration.
DAX
Julian... you saved his life. You
kept him alive against incredible
odds. No matter what happens, you
should always be proud of that.
Bashir seems to take a little bit of solace in this, gives
her a smile. Dax puts a hand on his shoulder.
41A NEW ANGLE
As Quark approaches Winn with a Ferengi who is carrying a
tray which has a large and bizarre-looking souffle on it.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/11/94 - ACT FIVE 57A.
41A CONTINUED:
QUARK
Excuse me, your Eminence.
WINN
Yes?
QUARK
Kai Winn, allow me to introduce...
(indicates souffle)
"Kai Winn."
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/15/94 - ACT FIVE 58.
41A CONTINUED: (2)
WINN
I don't understand.
QUARK
In honor of this occasion, I've named
my latest creation after you. It's
a chocolate souffle with Haligian
tongue sauce.
WINN
I'm honored.
QUARK
And you're also very popular. Believe
me, I can't keep up with the orders
so far.
Quark walks off. Bashir and Dax have overheard the above
exchange, and they chuckle. It's the first time we've seen
Bashir laugh in a long time. But in the middle of this, a
Nurse's Com Voice suddenly interrupts:
NURSE'S COM VOICE
Doctor Bashir to the Infirmary.
Medical emergency.
The joy leaves Bashir's face as he bolts for the door. Winn
reacts -- she knows what this might mean.
WINN
(to Bajoran ND)
Excuse me.
Winn heads for the door, as well.
CUT TO:
42 INT. INFIRMARY OR SURGERY
Bareil is lying on the bio-bed, unconscious, Kira at his
side. Winn is nearby. Bashir is looking over a PADD. He
looks up at them with a somber expression.
KIRA
It's the other half of his brain,
isn't it?
Bashir nods. A grim moment.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/15/94 - ACT FIVE 59.
42 CONTINUED:
KIRA
But you can still help him can't
you? You can replace the other half
of his brain with a positronic matrix.
Bashir puts down the PADD. This is clearly deeply troubling
him. He looks at Kira as if making up his mind.
BASHIR
I'm sorry, Nerys. But, this is where
it ends.
Winn and Kira look up at him.
KIRA
(worried)
What do you mean?
BASHIR
I won't remove the last shred of
whatever humanity Bareil has left.
KIRA
But it can be done.
WINN
Perhaps, my child, it's time to listen
to Doctor Bashir.
Kira whirls on Winn.
KIRA
Sure, now that you've got your peace
treaty and you're assured of a place
in history, you don't need Bareil
anymore.
WINN
Believe me child, I share your pain.
But I think the Prophets are calling
to Bareil.
(looks at Bareil)
I will see to it that Bajor never
forgets him.
(beat, then a good-
bye)
Doctor.
Winn EXITS. Kira turns to Bashir, her eyes pleading.
KIRA
Julian... you can't stop now. You've
got to keep going.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/14/94 - ACT FIVE 59A.
42 CONTINUED: (2)
BASHIR
(gently)
Nerys, if I remove the rest of his
brain... put a machine in its place...
he may look like Bareil... and he
may even talk like Bareil... but it
won't be Bareil. The "spark of life"
will be gone.
(beat)
He'll be dead. And I'll be the one
who killed him.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/15/94 - ACT FIVE 60.
42 CONTINUED: (3)
Kira is torn... doesn't want to give up.
KIRA
But if we do nothing... he'll die.
There's no way to sugarcoat this and Bashir doesn't try.
BASHIR
Yes, he will. But he'll die as a
man... not a machine.
(beat, then quiet)
Please... don't make me fight you on
this. Just... let him go.
Kira talks to Bashir, but her eyes never leave Bareil.
KIRA
How long?
BASHIR
It will be about three hours until
all brain activity ceases.
KIRA
I'd like to stay here until then.
BASHIR
Of course.
DEEP SPACE: "Life Support" - REV. 11/14/94 - ACT FIVE 61.
42 CONTINUED: (4)
Bashir quietly EXITS. Kira moves over to Bareil's bed,
looks down at him with affection and sadness.
KIRA
Well... you got your treaty after
all. I just wish there'd been more
time for us. There's so much I never
got to say to you.
(beat)
But this is all the time we have
left, isn't it? So I guess I better
say it now.
She leans over and kisses him. Then takes a deep breath...
holds his hand... and as Kira talks to the unconscious Bareil
we begin to PULL BACK...
KIRA
(continuing)
I'll never forget the first time I
saw you... that day you came to the
station. There was a serenity about
you... like you had all the answers...
(smiles)
It really got on my nerves for a
while. But as I got to know you...
I realized that you were just as
confused as the rest of us... you
just accepted your confusion better
than anyone I'd ever met. And that's
when I knew I loved you...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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